WWE Vengeance Results: What's Next for Zack Ryder After Loss to Dolph Ziggler?

What's next for Long Island Iced Z?  A superkick and a three count ended his night at WWE Vengeance 2011, and what lies in store for him is unclear. 

Zack Ryder's popularity has risen in recent months, largely due to him creating his own internet show and coming up with memorable, but cloying catchphrases.  Does WWE intend for his shot against Ziggler to be a springboard to greater things, or a brief taste of the spotlight?

Ryder is certainly over with the fans right now and, if WWE trusts him to do so, is capable of growing and developing as a superstar.  I do think their window to maximize his current buzz is small, though. 

Letting Ryder fade out of the spotlight now would be a waste of his momentum.

There are certainly more talented wrestlers than Ryder on the roster but, as Shelton Benjamin proved, talent alone doesn't get you to the mountain top.  Ryder has star power and can put on a good match. 

WWE should look to make him a featured performer for the foreseeable future. 

A few questions need to be answered as Mr. "Woo Woo Woo You Know It"'s career progresses.

Will he get a chance to be a champ? 

Nearly all of the current champions seem likely to hold on to their belts for some time.

Cody Rhodes seems destined to be a long term Intercontinental Champion.  Rhodes is well-respected and performs at a high level between the ropes.   

Likewise, Dolph Ziggler's star is shooting ever upward, and, unless he moves onto the bigger titles, is unlikely to give up his gold.

Ryder is certainly not getting a shot at Mark Henry or Del Rio anytime soon either. 

Often times, though, one need not win a title to gain stardom.  Roddy Piper made a Hall of Fame career out of battling for, but never winning, the world title. 

If WWE decides to continue his feud with Ziggler, his career will reap the benefits.  Ziggler is fast becoming the best current wrestler at making his opponent look great.    

Otherwise, Ryder needs someone else to go at until he's deemed worthy to carry a WWE belt. 

Does Zack Ryder's Gimmick Need to Change?

At some point, the broski act will grow tiresome, but for now it's hot.  Fans latch onto the weirdest things sometimes, and Ryder’s current shtick is one of them. 

Tapping into social media has been his specialty.

His look makes it easy to sell merchandise.  Should he receive a big push, the sales of purple headbands and sunglasses should keep WWE happy.

Ryder should keep up his current gimmick for now and adapt as necessary. 

Will the Internet Championship amount to anything?

Ryder's conception of the Internet Championship was brilliant, but little has been done to utilize the idea. 

What if WWE were to upload dark matches and internet-only bouts where Zack Ryder and a small group of other underused stars fought over the new title?

Brodus Clay, Justin Gabriel, Tyson Kidd and Drew McIntyre are all sitting on their keisters far too often.  But one can easily understand Vince McMahon's dilemma.  He's got an overload of talent and not enough air time to showcase them all properly.

Would a good number of fans tune into matches with those guys with Ryder in the mix?   It's certainly feasible, and a few corporate sponsors looking for ad space could make it financially appealing to Mr. McMahon.

Is Ryder a flash in the pan?

WWE has the power to answer this either way.  Continuing his push could be the start of a sustained career.

Ryder has the in-ring skills and charisma to hang with the big boys.

But if WWE stalls and doesn't take advantage of the moment, Ryder may go the route of Vladimir Kozlov.  The next few months will be a fork in the road for Ryder's career.  Seeing which way he goes will make for some compelling television.